We Need Each Other

When you think about or pray for the soldiers who are in Iraq and Afghanistan, don’t forget to pray for the wives and children of those soldiers.

Being a military wife means that a young mother is very likely away from parents, away from friends (you have to find new ones every three years or so), and often away from husband (who may be gone for weeks or months at a time). It can be a lonely place, especially when a baby isn’t sleeping well, a child is having behavioral problems at school, or mom herself needs medical care for some reason. If you know a military wife whose husband is deployed, give her a call. If you are a military wife whose husband is deployed, find someone who needs a call more than you.

It’s easy to be consumed with our own troubles and schedules that we forget that there are those around us all who need an encouraging word. If I’m waiting for my house to be clean before I can invite another young mother over, I may never minister to any one. If I’m too busy keeping my own ducks in a row to see the needs around me, I may miss seeing the opportunity God put in front of me. Perhaps I could let a few ducks stray. If I’m petulantly wondering where the women are to mentor me, perhaps I’m missing the opportunity to seek out someone to mentor.

What I’m realizing is that, even though I see it as me helping others, if I’m honest, I’ll realize that I am helped too. If I’m humble, I’ll realize that I need to be encouraged and helped by the very people I’m trying to encourage and help. We need each other.

Verses I’ve been thinking about:

• Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
• Romans 14:9 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.